Macquarie University Lecture Theatre

Project Description

Macquarie University is recognised globally for high-quality research and unique undergraduate and postgraduate courses. This project added a further 4,900sqm of refurbished accommodation to the numerous projects previously completed for the University by FDC.

FDC was engaged to undertake the full refurbishment of an existing lecture theatre built in the 1970’s. The ten month program commenced with the removal of a large portion of the roof; demolition of all internal fixtures and finishes and strip out of existing mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fire and audio-visual services. All existing asbestos was also removed from the site as part of the brief. New openings were then made to external brickwork, a concrete lift shaft and new concrete mezzanine floor inserted and an extension built to the eastern side of the building with a new entry foyer. New kingspan roofing was installed to the entire roof space.

Internal finishes include the installation of perforated acoustic timber panelling and fabric panelling to the theatre walls; new carpet and tiered seating together with a raked ceiling within the lecture theatre. New joinery including the theatre lecterns and wall/floor panelling; and the premises were completed with new floor finishes to the northern foyers and were painted throughout.

External works include the installation of a new flight of concrete stairs with glass balustrades; sandblasting and sealing concrete pathways; and extensive landscaping of the surrounding grounds. The building facade, new western stairs and lift shaft were tiled, and glazed panels were installed to the northern facade on ground and first level elevations. Smoke vents were installed to the roof and southern walls for smoke management and AV, mechanical, electrical, fire, security, hydraulic services were integrated throughout the building.